BDI Announces Leadership Transition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan. 21, 2026

SARASOTA, Fla. (Jan. 21, 2025) — The Boxser Diversity Initiative (BDI), a leading nonprofit dedicated to fostering education, dialogue and connection across Southwest Florida, announced this week that Executive Director Julie Matus will be stepping down from her role later this month.

Matus' decision follows a recent relocation and the beginning of a new professional chapter, marking an appropriate moment for BDI to move forward under new leadership.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside BDI’s leadership and this deeply committed community,” Matus said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have built together and grateful for the trust and collaboration that made this work possible.”

During her tenure, BDI expanded its impact through the launch of Bending the Arc, a high school initiative now entering its second year, and by hosting nine public programs over two seasons as part of the Building Bridges Discussion Series. These efforts continued BDI’s longstanding commitment to education, inclusion and constructive dialogue across diverse communities.

To ensure continuity during the transition, Board Chair and co-founder Dan Boxser will assume interim leadership responsibilities while the Board of Directors begins a search for BDI’s next executive director. Matus will remain involved in a limited advisory capacity to support the organization during this period.

“Julie’s leadership helped strengthen and expand BDI’s programs at a critical time,” said Dan Boxser. “We are grateful for her contributions and look forward to building on this momentum as we enter our next chapter.”

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